Secret Ingredients - by S Inness (Hardcover)

About the Book

A new look at cookbooks as a valuable tool for understanding constructions of race, class, and ethnicity in the United States

Book Synopsis

A series of fascinating chapters analyze cookery books through the ages. From the convenience-food cookbooks of the 1950s, to the 1980s rise in 'white trash' cookbooks, and the surprise success of the Two Fat Ladies books from the 1990s, leading author Sherrie Inness discusses how women have used such books over the years to protest social norms.

Review Quotes

Praise for Sherrie A. Inness and her previous works:

"Thoughtful and thought-provoking essays...This engaging collection complements and energizes the research..." - Janet Theophano, author of Eat My Words

"Drawing on an encyclopedic, first-hand knowledge of popular cultural texts... [Inness's] treatment of the subject is comprehensive and accessible." - Choice

"[Dinner Roles] has every indication of becoming a standard reference in the field of food and gender studies." - Patricia M. Gantt, Utah State University

"Vivid detail, skillful interweaving of sources, humor, and an engaging personal voice create a delightful reading experience." - Stephanie Levine, Tufts University

"Makes an exciting and original contribution to the growing field of 'girls studies'...essential." - Lynne Vallone, author of Disciplines of Virtue

About the Author

SHERRIE A. INNESS is Professor of English with joint appointments in American Studies, History and Women's Studies at Miami University, USA. She is the author/editor of over a dozen books including Action Chicks (Palgrave Macmillan 2004), Disco Divas, Delinquents and Debutantes and Kitchen Culture in America. She was the keynote speaker at Barnard's Annual Conference on Women and Media in 2004.